world of men's style / fashion / grooming

An UrbanDaddy Publication

News of yesterday’s record-setting snowball fight in Seattle got us thinking about how there was a time in our lives when snow in the forecast was an exciting thing—instead of just a notice to allot a few extra minutes for our morning commute.

And more specifically, it got us thinking about the holiest of snow-day pastimes: sledding (hey, we did make a sled a winter must-have). After some cursory research, we were surprised to learn that the sledding industry is alive and thriving—possibly as strong as it has ever been. In fact, the options are nearly endless, from the old-school variety to the sort of snow-bullet you’d imagine someone named Sven spent his life perfecting. There are even concept snow sleds.

You might be wondering why Kempt looks so fresh-faced here in the new year... Yes, we finally shaved, but also: we’ve updated our Must-Haves for the deep winter. (You’ll find them in their semipermanent home over in the left column.)

As connoisseurs of history, we sometimes find styles, trends and turns of phrase from the past that we wouldn’t mind bringing back to the present, Doc Brown-style. This time around, we’re dusting off the wooden sled.

With any luck, you’ll be facing a few snowy hills in the near future—possibly with a few smaller relatives in tow. And when you pick out your sled, you might notice that all of the modern options are made of thermal-stamped plastic. It’s a shame. And it’s time to dust off something a little more dignified.